Vadhvan Port

Vadhvan Port:Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently laid the foundation stone for Vadhvan Port near Dahanu in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, aiming to boost maritime infrastructure and trade.

• 13th Major Port: Located in Palghar, Maharashtra, Vadhvan will be India’s largest container port with deep-water capabilities, developed by Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL), a JV between Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (74%) and Maharashtra Maritime Board (26%).
• High Capacity: Expected to handle 254 million tonnes of cargo annually and accommodate ultra-large container ships with a natural draft of ~20 meters.
• Strategic Location: Proximity to the Western Freight Corridor and Delhi-Mumbai Expressway will enhance trade, create new business opportunities, and boost local employment.
• Global Trade Hub: Will serve as a gateway for IMEEC and INSTC corridors, reducing transit times and enhancing India’s maritime connectivity.
• Sustainability Focus: Incorporates eco-friendly practices and advanced infrastructure to minimize environmental impact, contributing to India’s port sector growth.
• India’s port sector, the 16th largest globally, handles 95% of trade by volume with 12 major ports (soon 14 with Vadhvan and Galathea) and over 200 non-major ports, ranking 22nd in the World Bank’s Logistics Performance Index with efficient turnaround times.

India’s Port Sector and Initiatives

•  Major and Minor Ports: India has 12 major ports (soon 14 with Vadhvan and Galathea) managed by the central government under the Major Port Authorities Act, 2021, and over 200 minor ports regulated by state governments under the Indian Ports Act, 1908.
• Challenges: Key issues include financing difficulties, regulatory delays, outdated infrastructure, poor connectivity, labor inefficiencies, and high costs in upgrading old ports.

 Port Modernisation: Focus on increasing cargo handling capacity through dredging, improving connectivity, enhancing PPP participation, and creating a maritime fund for inland waterways and non-major port development.

Key Initiatives:

• Sagarmala Programme: Aims to reduce logistics costs and optimize container movement.
• Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: Focuses on world-class ports and sustainable maritime development.

• National Logistics Portal (Marine) and Sagar Manthan for digital efficiency and transparency.

• Galathea Port: To be India’s 14th major port, developed as an International Container Transshipment Port (ICTP) in Andaman & Nicobar, strategically located near the Malacca Strait to boost India’s EXIM trade and reduce dependence on foreign transshipment hubs like Colombo and Singapore.